OWENSBORO, Ky. (9/16/13) - It is a race to find a cure. That is the mission of the Thumbs Up For Lane Goodwin Childhood Cancer Foundation. Saturday's "Tri-State Goes Gold 5K" is just one of many local events honoring the memory of the young boy’s life.

Dawn Steward, co-chairperson of the event along with Toby Rock, told Surf KYNews Saturday’s race is a special day to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer research in remembrance of Lane Goodwin.

Goodwin was only 13 years old when he passed away last October from a rare and aggressive form of cancer called Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma. According to the "Prayers for Lane Goodwin" Facebook fan page, this disease is only diagnosed in one per every one million kids.

"Angie Goodwin made a promise to her son and it was Lane's wish to find a cure," Steward said.

This worldwide movement launched as people began to post a "thumbs up" picture on social media in support of Goodwin's battle. The Foundation soon gained national attention and support from individuals and celebrities alike.

Miss Kentucky United States 2013 Whittney Allen will be in attendance and serving as a guest emcee.

"It is my absolute pleasure to work with the Lane Goodwin Foundation," Allen said. "Lane's story is inspiring to me and I strive to be an advocate in honor of him."

The 5K Run/Walk was a chip timed event, but participants could opt out of timing. However, awards were presented to the top three race qualifiers in each age division. An additional award was set to be given to the Overall Male and Female finalists.

The run began at 8 a.m. Saturday at Malco Theater. Steward said 102 runners turned out for the group’s first 5K event.